cannabisnews.com: Weed Lights Up Debate





Weed Lights Up Debate
Posted by CN Staff on January 24, 2007 at 14:33:49 PT
By Creighton Adsit, RPI College Democrats
Source: Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute 
New York -- A subject with which it is relatively easy to stir up a rousing debate about is the issue of the legalization or decriminalization of marijuana. Right now marijuana can be used for medicinal purposes in 11 states, including California. The only caveat is that the federal government does not recognize these state laws and will bust a medicinal user anyway. This results in considerable disputes between drug advocacy groups and federal agencies on what exactly the legal status of marijuana is, and what it should be.
Everyone can agree that smoking pot has some adverse physical and psychological effects, but that doesn’t mean that making the substance illegal is the proper course of action. Prohibition of marijuana does marginally reduce marijuana use by creating a deterrent, but it does so at a tremendous cost. First of all, it drives the entire market for marijuana underground and creates a black market for the drug, resulting in less oversight. Conventional businesses are liable for damages if they misrepresent a product they are selling, and numerous federal agencies such as the Food and Drug Administration exist to make sure that certain quality standards for similar products are met. This is not true for drug dealers who are only held accountable for their actions if they happen to be caught. People who get sick from improperly prepared cannabis are left to fend for themselves, and are more likely to avoid medical treatment due to the nature of their ailment. Another cost of prohibition is felt in the correctional system, which is flooded with those imprisoned for drug-related offenses every year. Law enforcement, incarceration and the judicial process all come at a considerable cost, a cost which is borne by the citizens of the United States. Yet another cost is felt by the victims of violent drug-related crimes, which are motivated by the rampant profiteering that the drug trade creates. It would be much safer for everyone if the drug dealers, who are the ones who are really causing most of the trouble, were cut out of the entire operation by suppliers who would face the same scrutiny and oversight as the tobacco industry. Such a change, I might add, would take an underground, untraceable industry and make it taxable. It just seems strange to me that our society makes such a tremendous sacrifice just to keep cannabis out of the hands of only a few additional people. Editor’s Note: “The Elephant’s Peanut Gallery” and “Straight from the Ass’s Mouth” run biweekly and are opinion columns granted by the Editorial Board to the College Republicans and the College Democrats. Source: Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (NY)Author: Creighton Adsit, RPI College DemocratsPublished: January 24, 2007 - Vol. 127, No. 17Copyright: 2007 The PolytechnicContact: edop poly.rpi.eduWebsite: http://poly.union.rpi.edu/indexCannabisNews -- Cannabis Archiveshttp://cannabisnews.com/news/list/cannabis.shtml
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Comment #22 posted by museman on January 26, 2007 at 11:16:54 PT
toker
Actually that is what I thought you meant, but I wasn't absolutely sure. Sometimes sarcasm and irony is harder to percieve without the usual spoken tone inflections.I agree.I would have put it this way;Show me a man who got rich using those tools, and I would like to see a demonstration, otherwise I wouldn't believe it.Aah... ok that's not even as profound as yours.I'm getting coffee.....
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Comment #21 posted by FoM on January 26, 2007 at 06:36:56 PT
Toker00
I just checked how the weather will be in Washington tomorrow for the protests and it will be 50 and sunny. It went down close to 0 last night here so I was worried it might be very cold for them but miracles do happen. That temperature should bring out many people.
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Comment #20 posted by Toker00 on January 26, 2007 at 03:53:44 PT
FoM
Well make my day, why don't ya? You guys didn't have to donate THAT much! lol. It proves my suspicion that action groups DO make a difference. It's the other sides brain-washing that keeps people from believing that.Those are my kind of guys. Wish Washington wasn't so damn far away...Toke.
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Comment #19 posted by FoM on January 25, 2007 at 19:37:26 PT
Toker00 
Thought you might appreciate this article.Groups Head to Capital to Step Up Antiwar Drive 
  ***WASHINGTON, Jan. 25 — Tens of thousands of demonstrators are set to arrive in the capital this weekend for a major antiwar march, staging the first of several protests intended to persuade the new Democratic-controlled Congress to do more than simply speak against President Bush’s Iraq policy.URL: http://www.nytimes.com/2007/01/26/washington/26left.html
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Comment #18 posted by FoM on January 25, 2007 at 18:26:34 PT
Toker00
When I think of ordinary people I think of the backbone of America. People like you who know a trade. If all fell apart you could build a small house fairly quickly. If a person doesn't have skills that can make life tolerable if this whole system would collapse what would they do to survive? 
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Comment #17 posted by Toker00 on January 25, 2007 at 18:13:55 PT
museman
I'm not too good with words sometimes. That was kinda dumb. What I was trying to say is "Rich" men normally don't use these tools to make themselves rich. It's usually done through manipulation of funds and people and likely as not, through corrupt means. You're right, carpenters are not likely to ever be "Rich" in today's values. I screwed that up. I guess what I'm saying is I would rather be financially comfortable knowing I did it with my own two hands, instead of on someone else's back, or than to be "Rich" with all the bad baggage. I believe that if we could do away with money, we'd see who is really "Rich". Please understand I am excluding those who became "Wealthy" on their own Honorable accord, and am not suggesting all who work with their hands deserve their wealth, either. Good deserves wealth, Evil doesn't. Terrible how it doesn't often enough turn out that way, though, isn't it? I didn't give our youth enough of a benefit of the doubt either. Sorry.I'll bookmark your novel. Thanks for sharing! Toke. 
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Comment #16 posted by FoM on January 25, 2007 at 18:06:27 PT
museman
You are writing a novel. That is great. I'm not much of a reader and I don't have the adobe reader anymore because it kept crashing my computer so I uninstalled it. I figure this computer is getting old and tempermental anymore. Keep up the inspiring work though.
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Comment #15 posted by museman on January 25, 2007 at 17:36:10 PT
OT: my novel
I just thought I'd release a kind of large preview of my novel, cause I need something to motivate me to continue with the project.It's Sci-Fi, I think it's pretty good. everyone who has previewed parts of it say so...but I'd like some unbiased feedback you know. because I don't want to waste my time. If anyone has the spare time, likes scifi, check it out. I'd prefer that you make your comments on my site -direct and confidential to me- rather than here, (because it is OT) but I do want to share it with you.thanks in advance
Black Star Wormwood
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Comment #14 posted by museman on January 25, 2007 at 17:27:51 PT
toke
"Show me a rich man who can use a tape measure and a drill expertly, and I'll show you a man who became a rich man using these tools."Somehow, though I would be forced to honor such a happenstance, it seems to me that there are two distinctly different sets of values in that statement. Perhaps the 'logic' is deliberate?I submit that an experienced carpenter/builders aspect of wealth may include money, but not entirely. As a craftsman, carpenter (albeit not as experienced as you), and stone mason, I got great satisfaction from jobs well done, and that wealth can't be put in a bank. Whereas a 'rich man' in the usual understanding of the word deals only with the money itself.The idea that a carpenter could get rich - not comfortable and 'finacncially secure' - but rich in the current value system, and power scheme by the work of his hands, or even the experience of those hands just seems highly unlikely, with about the same odds as the lottery. It could happen I suppose.comment #13 We.Can.Community is the key. Family is the example of the way.The knowledge is there, like it has never been before. Good thing too, and just in the nick of time. Alternative technologies based on cooperation with natural forces instead of WAR WAR and WAR! Community based resource, and people-based community.Academies that instruct instead of program. I currently participate in what I have come to call "The Academy of High Converse." - an on going exchange of ideas,. experience, wisdom, and information that happens quite frequently around my house and in my presence. There are about 20 -30 young men I have had the pleasure of giving meaningful instruction and guidance to, and their enthusiasm
for understanding gives me great hope for our future. But there needs to be a lot more of it.Reality based value systems. That is the conceptual foundation that must be upgraded, replaced, or resolved. We currently base our values on invented concept, virtual wealth, symbolized by the dollar and it's "This note is legal tender for all debts public and private" premise. That will have to change. The longer it takes to change that fundamental flaw in our reality, the longer and more painful will be the transition.
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Comment #13 posted by Toker00 on January 25, 2007 at 16:48:55 PT
FoM
Yeah. The ordinary people will create an extraordinary world when there are no wars to fight. Without their wealth, what are the Elite? Ordinary people. Let's render their wealth obsolete if it comes from the terror of war or the selfishness of greed. They want oil so they can keep pumping us full of products that they force us to make and then buy with their mind controlling marketing techniques. We need to find alternative energy sources that are near free, we need to find alternative medicines that heal, not just treat, without the horrible side effects and near free, we need to find alternative food sources that are near free. Guess where all of these alternatives are? In Nature. We have the knowledge and technologies to Co-Create with Nature. Modern Techniques, not Industrial Machines. Mechanical Labor, not computerized. Teach everyone to be self sufficient. We must take Earth back from (THE) Elite Nature Destroyers. (END) We must. We must render their Oil, Pharmaceutical, and Chemical Empires worthless. And we can! Just don't ask me how. lol.Toke. 
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Comment #12 posted by FoM on January 25, 2007 at 14:11:07 PT
Toker00
This is a song I have on a CD of Neil Young and it is a good song. It's called Ordinary People. Check out the words. It will be coming out in the Archives sooner or later I think. Ordinary People: 
http://www.thrasherswheat.org/fot/lyrics_op.htm
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Comment #11 posted by Toker00 on January 25, 2007 at 13:43:58 PT
Here's another thing, too,museman
It's not going to be how much money (useless and devalued) you have. It's not going to be who you know, either. It's going to be your ability to apply what you know that helps you survive. We have a whole generation of young men who don't know much more than how to push a control button or a computer keypad. Put tools in their hands, and they are lost. I go through this all the time as a carpenter. The very first question I ask an interviewee is what is the measurement of a 2x4. Then the next question I ask is what is half of 3/8? Their answers to these two questions will tell me how in-depth to take the interview. If they laugh at me and say "Your kidding, right?" Then I know I have someone with EXPERIENCE, not BS. But nine times out of ten these kids will answer two inches by four inches when it is one and a half by three and a half, and say 3/4 instead of 3/16. Reading blue prints is a whole 'nother universe. I had a hard, laborious life when I was a young man because I didn't complete a "degree" of education. When you first start out, it's a lot of work because you don't know anything. But now, I could set back and run several crews, if I needed to, and never touch a hammer. If I did, I could build using half the effort of a young man, simply because I know the moves. I can build a house alone as quickly as two inexperienced carpenters. That's not bragging either, it's just describing the difference experience makes. Show me a rich man who can use a tape measure and a drill expertly, and I'll show you a man who became a rich man using these tools. Otherwise, these young men and rich men are going to be completely clueless about a lot of things. Putting it on paper and turning it into a reality are two very different things. If workers could just organize they could re-distribute some of the wealth in this country by charging more for what they know. If it weren't for the undercutting of labor by poor immigrants, which I don't condone, but would never try to keep them from making survival money, it would work. Carpentry is just a simple example of work, and I know most of you guys are capable of a lot more technical work, but it's valuable work, none the less. Screw the CEO's! WE need that extra money, not them!Toke.  
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Comment #10 posted by museman on January 25, 2007 at 09:50:08 PT
The wars
Toke, mayan, you can probably surmise that my opinion mirrors yours.There is no stopping the events that have been set in motion. All we can do is try to get people to get off the juggernaut before it goes over the cliff into oblivion, that way all it is going to drag down with it will be the ones who worship the values of it.The only way we are going to salvage anything of this civilization is in the communities that have some kind of real human integrity and continuity. The multi-fragmented metropolitan areas will suffer the most from the inevitable breakdown in supply systems.There are 'communities of light' scattered all over the world, with a high percentage in the US. They (we) are struggling right now because they labor under a system which hates the ways of peace, sharing, and loving relationships. I once found one of those, and though it appeared like any other small town in America, you could feel the vibrational difference so much so that if you found the place, you probably would never want to leave. I didn't want to leave myself but though I could relate, it's not where I was supposed to be.Community is what saved the debacle of New Orleans from turning into a small civil war. Those selfless people -not the government - saved New Orleans, and America from a terrible thing. That same spirit will see us through what is coming.My advice to anyone living in or near the cities of America, get some rural skills. Be prepared to leave with enough supply to get you out, but not so much to slow you down. When the time comes, and if one is paying attention, they'll know, like in the scripture, Don't stop for anything, gather your family and head for the nearest sanctuary of nature.There is a book that I'd lke to recommend to anyone who is interested. It's called "The Keys Of Enoch." It has a kind of New-Age cult following, and the author seems to have fallen somewhat into the status quo - wealth and comfortable living changes ones spiritual hunger - but I ignore the author, and just focus on the wonderful things that the Spirit showed him, and us through the book. It is hard for a lot of people to understand, the language is extremely intellectual, and though I've had the book for about 25 years, about a third of it still goes over my head - at least in understanding. I advocate nothing by referring this book -it's just a book. But in my library it sits right next to the bible, and where my Urantia book used to sit (before it was stolen).Just thought I'd mention it.
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Comment #9 posted by Toker00 on January 24, 2007 at 21:49:45 PT
Mayan
Oh, I know. I'm just trying to keep from going insane not being able to physically do anything about it. If I knew for sure I was going under for the last time and there was a milk carton and an aluminum can floating nearby, I would still grab the damn milk carton on my way down. lol. Hey, if we believe we can save just one life by doing whatever, it's worth it. I know the Dems are no hope. Still, I grasp, waiting on the alternative that never materializes. Our country alone has manufactured enough weaponry to arm the world so there will always be an enemy to fight. The people of the world will either find a way to destroy the War Profiteers or the War Profiteers will continue to destroy the people of the world.I'm not trying to spread false hope, Mayan. I really do hope we can do something. I just don't know what that would be at this, or any point, really. I'll never give up all hope, though.Toke.  
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Comment #8 posted by FoM on January 24, 2007 at 18:36:27 PT
ekim
Thank you. We turned it on.
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Comment #7 posted by ekim on January 24, 2007 at 18:14:49 PT
anyone get History ch dir tv 269
now on Renewables i think that this show will show the National Renewable Energy Lab in Golden Co and tell about switch grass and the cellulose ethanol. 
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Comment #6 posted by FoM on January 24, 2007 at 18:10:45 PT
mayan
Maybe we might not be able to stop this war but we must try. Winning doesn't happen all the time but sometimes we do win. We won't know if we don't give it our all.
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Comment #5 posted by FoM on January 24, 2007 at 18:07:57 PT
OverwhelmSam 
Thank you. I really liked this article too. Plain and simple and to the point.
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Comment #4 posted by mayan on January 24, 2007 at 17:10:02 PT
Toker
We aren't leaving Iraq. Our gov't isn't about to leave 14 permanent military bases and a stronghold to launch invasions against other neighboring nations. All of the talk about pulling out is just meant to distract us from the fact that we will soon be attacking Iran. 
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Comment #3 posted by Toker00 on January 24, 2007 at 16:56:15 PT
OT. Good read, though.
I shortened this e-mail, but wanted to share this part. The first part was contribute blah blah blah, yada yada yada...but then this:Every dollar, every signature, every action we take together to shorten the war will save lives. Consider this message from a MoveOn member in Portland, Oregon:  My husband was a Vietnam vet, who committed suicide 19 years after his military discharge. He suffered from PTSD, as well as from other wounds. Now his oldest son, my son, is a US Marine, full of patriotism and desire to serve his country. He will be sent to Iraq this year, unless Congress stops this war. Even if my son comes back alive, even if he still has all his limbs intact, even then, he will still be wounded. I will have another PTSD victim in my family.Not if we stop the war.Together, we can stop it.Together, we will stop it.Thank you.–Eli, Justin, Ilyse, Matt and the MoveOn.org Political Action Team
 Wednesday, January 24th, 2007P.S. Below is one of the most powerful parts of Sen. Webb's speech. The full speech is available here:http://speaker.gov/newsroom/multimedia? id= 0011Many, including myself, warned even before the war began that it was unnecessary, that it would take our energy and attention away from the larger war against terrorism, and that invading and occupying Iraq would leave us strategically vulnerable in the most violent and turbulent corner of the world....The President took us into this war recklessly. He disregarded warnings from the national security adviser during the first Gulf War, the chief of staff of the army, two former commanding generals of the Central Command, whose jurisdiction includes Iraq, the director of operations on the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and many, many others with great integrity and long experience in national security affairs. We are now, as a nation, held hostage to the predictable ­ and predicted ­ disarray that has followed.The war's costs to our nation have been staggering. Financially. The damage to our reputation around the world. The lost opportunities to defeat the forces of international terrorism. And especially the precious blood of our citizens who have stepped forward to serve.PAID FOR BY MOVEON.ORG POLITICAL ACTION, http://pol.moveon.org/
Not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee.Toke. 
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Comment #2 posted by OverwhelmSam on January 24, 2007 at 16:39:04 PT
The Voice of Reason Evolves
FoM, I can always depend on you to post the unique articles which depict the direction prohibition is going. Our federal government has become totally overbearing. Even local and state politicians and some law enforcement officials are beginning to maintain their integrity and turn down the bribes and threats from the federal government. 
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Comment #1 posted by FoM on January 24, 2007 at 15:11:01 PT
Just a Comment
I like this article. It gives me a little hope.
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